Making a success of Hastings Pier is a priority for its owner Sheikh Abid Gulzar.

Speaking this week about why he has put two of his Eastbourne hotels up for sale Mr Gulzar says: “Eastbourne Pier is an amazing success… buying Hastings Pier represents a massive challenge to me and now I am determined to make that as successful as Eastbourne Pier.”

Both the Albany Lions and Mansion Lions hotels on Eastbourne seafront are on the market, Mr Gulzar says: “It is no secret that two of my hotels are currently on the market. I am very proud of the various businesses I have built up, and even at the age of 74 I am still working seven days a week.

“The hotel business is very tough indeed at the moment. You only have to look along Eastbourne seafront and the number of coaches coming into town is far lower than previously.”

However he says consolidating the success of Eastbourne Pier and making a success of Hastings Pier which he bought in May 2018 will need, “my devotion” in the coming year.

“Of that there is absolutely no doubt. I have had to step back and look at my priorities and those priorities are undoubtedly both piers and of course the Boship Lions Farm Hotel at Hailsham which holds a very special place in my heart.”